The government has decided that PIA will keep its national identity even after being privatized. Officials and aviation experts have confirmed that the airline will continue to operate under the name “PIA,” and its well-known logo will also remain unchanged.
According to authorities, this decision has been taken to protect the airline’s historical value and emotional connection with the country. While ownership will change, PIA’s national image, brand name, and identity will stay intact.
The new owners will be allowed to introduce management, financial, and operational reforms to improve performance, but the airline’s status as a national symbol will be preserved.
Earlier this week, the Arif Habib Consortium successfully acquired Pakistan International Airlines through a competitive bidding process.
The consortium secured the deal with a bid of Rs135 billion, narrowly surpassing the Lucky Consortium, which offered Rs134 billion. Under the agreement, the Arif Habib Consortium has purchased a 75 percent stake in the national airline.
As part of the transaction, the government will receive Rs10.2 billion in immediate cash. Officials believe this move will help reduce the financial burden on the state, as PIA has required heavy subsidies for many years. The privatization is expected to save taxpayers around Rs35 billion every year by cutting losses and improving efficiency.
This deal is being described as one of the most significant privatization steps taken by Pakistan in the last 20 years. Experts say it reflects the government’s effort to reform loss-making state-owned enterprises while maintaining their national character.
With new private management and continued national branding, PIA is expected to move towards better service, stronger finances, and long-term stability without losing its identity as Pakistan’s flag carrier.
